International Journal of PharmTech Research CODEN (USA): IJPRIF ISSN : 0974-4304 Vol.2, No.4, pp 2174-2182, Oct-Dec 2010 Antioxidant Properties of Species – A Review

N.Sirisha*, M.Sreenivasulu, K.Sangeeta, C.Madhusudhana Chetty

Annamacharya College of Pharmacy, New Boyanpalli, Rajampet, Kadapa(dist), Andhra Pradesh,India.

*Corres.author: [email protected]

Abstract: Ficus is a huge tropical ,deciduous , evergreen with more than 800 species . Bark , root , leaves , and latex of this are frequently usedfor the treatment of various illnesses. Ficus produces a unique fruit which is actually a inverted flower. Ficus species are rich source of polyphenolic compounds , flavanoids which are responsible for strong antioxidant properties that help in prevention and therapy of various oxidative stress related diseases such as neurodegenerative and hepatic diseases. The present review correlates antioxidant activity of Ficus species with its pharmacological activities. Key words : Ficus species, Free radicals, Polyphenols , flavanoids , Antioxidant property.

Introduction Genus : Ficus Ficus, the fig genus, consists of over 800 species and is one of about 40 genera of the mulberryfamily. The Various species of Ficus are [2]– fig species of greatest commercial importance is Ficus Ficus altissima (council tree) carica L. (the common fig). Other notable species of Ficus aspera (clown fig) Ficus are L. (the Bo tree which Ficus auriculata, syn. Ficus roxburghii sheltered the Buddha as he divined the “Truths”), Ficus benghalensis (Indian ) Ficus elastic Roxb. ex Hornem. (the rubber tree), Ficus benjamina (weeping fig) Ficus benghalensis L. (the banyan tree) and Ficus Ficus benjamina ‘Exotica’ racemosa L. (syn. glomerata, the giant cluster tree). All Ficus benjamina ‘Comosa’ Ficus spp. possess latex-like material within their Ficus binnendykii (narrow-leaf ficus) vasculatures, affording protection and self-healing Ficus carica (common edible fig) from physical assaults [1]. Ficus celebinsis (willow ficus) Ficus deltoidea (mistletoe fig) syn. Ficus diversifolia of Ficus Ficus elastica (Indian rubber tree) Domain : Eukaryota Ficus elastica ‘Abidjan’ Kingdom : Plantae Ficus elastica ‘Asahi’ Subkingdom : Viridaeplantae Ficus elastica ‘Decora’ Phylum : Tracheophyta Ficus elastica ‘Gold’ Subphylum : Euphyllophytina Ficus elastica ‘Schrijveriana’ Infraphylum : Radiatopses Ficus lacor (pakur tree) Class : Magnoliopsida Ficus lingua (box-leaved fig) syn. Ficus buxifolia Subclass : Dilleniidae Ficus lyrata (fiddle-leaf fig) Superorder : Urticanae Ficus macrophylla (Moreton Bay fig) Order : Urticales Ficus microcarpa (Chinese banyan) Family : Ficus microcarpa var. crassifolia (wax ficus) N.Sirisha et al /Int.J. PharmTech Res.2010,2(4) 2175

Ficus microcarpa ‘Variegata’ 4, 4, 24-trimelhyl-cholesta-8-en-3-B-ol, mixture of Ficus pseudopalma (Philippine fig) campesterol, stigmasterol and sitosterol, stigmasterol Ficus pumila (creeping fig) syn. Ficus repens 3-B-o`glucoside and 4, 5, 7-trihydroxy flavan-3-ol. In Ficus religiosa (bo tree or sacred fig) addition to xantholoxin, $-amyrin and "-amyrin from Ficus rubiginosa (Port Jackson fig or rusty fig) n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions of ethanol extract Ficus rubiginosa ‘Variegata’ Ficus sagittata of Ficus capensis (Thunb) leaves [8]. ‘Variegata’, syn. Ficus radicans ‘Variegata’ Uses of Ficus species Ficus saussureana, syn. Ficus dawei Fresh juice(50-100 ml) of leaves of Ficus racemosa L. Ficus stricta is given with water for about 10 days to treat Ficus subulata, syn. Ficus salicifolia gastrointestinal problems [9]. Ficus tikoua (Waipahu fig) Bark of Ficus arnottiana and F.hispida shows hypoglycaemic activity [10,11]. Chemical constituents Roots of Ficus bengalensis shows anthelmintic Ficus species contain flavanoid glycosides , alkaloids , activity. The extracts also reported to inhibit phenolic acids , steroids , saponins , coumarins , insulinase activity from liver and kidney. Fruit extracts tannins , triterpinoids – oleanolic acid , rusolic acid , α- exhibits anti-tumour activity [12]. hydroxy ursolic acid , protocatechuic acid , maslinic Various pharmacological actions such as anti-ulcer, acid . The nonenzymatic constituents include phenolic anti-diabetic, lipid lowering and antifungal activities compounds , flavanoids , vitamin C . The enzymatic have been described for F. exasperata. Ethanolic leaf constituents present are ascorbate oxidase , ascorbate extract of F.exasperata shows anti-bacterial activity peroxidise , catalase , peroxidise . The phenolic [13]. Leaves exhibit hypotensive activity [14]. compounds present are gallic acid and ellagic acid . Ethanolic and aqueous wood extracts of F.glomerata Furanocoumarins that are reported are psoralen , shows Anti-HIV- 1 integrase activity[15]. bergapten .[3] Ficus religiosa is reported to have numerous β-sitosterol and a new tetracyclic tritepene – glaunol therapeutic uses in folk medicine. Leaf juice has been acetate are reported from the leaves , bark and used for the treatment of asthma, cough, sexual heartwood of F.palmata . Besides , ceryl behenate , disorders, diarrhoea, haematuria, ear-ache and lupeol , α-amyrin acetate are reported from the stem toothache, migraine, eye troubles, gastric problems bark of F.palmata . Taraxasterol tiglate in heartwood , and scabies; leaf decoction has been used as an quercitin-3-glucoside, rutin from leaves and three analgesic for toothache; for the treatment of new methyl ethers of leucoanthocyanins (delphinidin- asthma, other respiratory disorders and scabies; stem 3-o-α- L-rhamnoside , pelargonidin-3-o-α-L- bark is used in gonorrhea, bleeding, paralysis, rhamnoside , leucocyanidin-3-o-β-D-glactosyl diabetes, diarrhea, bone fracture, antiseptic, astringent cellobioside) , methyl ether of leucoanthocyanidin , and antidote. In Ayurveda it is claimed that Ficus 20-tetra triaconten-2-one , pentatriacontan-5-one , 6- religiosa possesses anticonvulsant activity. Many such heptatriaconten-10-one , β-sitosterol-α-D-glucoside , reports had been validated pharmacologically for its meso-inositol were reported from the stem bark of actions on CNS . Different parts of Ficus religiosa F.benghalensis [3],[4]. showed acetyl cholinesterase inhibitory activity and Triterpinoid constituents rhoiptelenol , 3α-hydroxy- antianxiety activity. Figs (fruits) of this plant contain isohop-22(29)-en-24-oic acid were isolated from the numerous amino acids like asparaginase and tyrosine methanolic extracts of fresh leaves and stems of Ficus in fruit edible part, alanine, threonine, tyrosine and thumbergii . This species also contains lupenyl acetate valine in seeds, alanine and valine in proteins. The , β-amyrin acetate , α-amyrin acetate , lupeol , β- methanolic extract of figs of Ficus religiosa had amyrin , α-amyrin , glutinol , ursolic acid, betulinic anticonvulsant activity [16]. acid in its leaves and stems [5]. The fruit extracts of F. sycomorous L., F. benjamina Besides the leaves , bark and fruits of F.benjamina L., F.bengalensis L. and F.religiosa L. exhibit anti contains cinnamic acid , lactose , naringenin , tumour activity and anti bacterial activity, but no anti quercetin , caffeic acid , stigmasterol [6]. fungal activity [17]. Two new pentacyclic triterpenes 8,26-cyclo-urs-21-en- Fresh and dried fruit of F.carica is used in cancer, 3β,20β-diol and 3β-acetoxy-8,26-cyclo-ursan-20β-ol carcinoma, ulcers, hepatomegaly, spleenomegaly. and also 3-friedelanone, oleanolic acid, betulinic acid, Latex is used in ulcers and gout. Leaves are used in lupeol acetate, α and β amyrine, 3,5,7,4’-tetra hydroxyl cancer, tumours, dermatitis. Latex of F.racemosa is flavones, 3,5,7,3’,4’-pentahydroxy flavanate are used as aphrodisiac and bark powder is used in reported from the stem bark of [7]. diabetes, ulcers, hiccups, gonorrhoea and fruits are used as laxative and digestive. N.Sirisha et al /Int.J. PharmTech Res.2010,2(4) 2176

Fruit of F.carica shows spasmolytic activity, and vitamin E as well as enzymes such as catalase, mediated through the activation of K+-ATP channels superoxide dismutase and various peroxidases. Low along with anti platelet activity. Hence, it can be used levels of antioxidants or inhibition of the antioxidant in gut motility and inflammatory disorders [18]. enzymes, cause oxidative stress and may damage or kill the living cells. Oxidative stress and role of antioxidants As oxidative stress is an important part of many Oxidation refers to transfer of electrons from a human diseases, the use of antioxidants in substance to an oxidizing agent. Oxidation reactions pharmacology is intensively studied, particularly in results in free radicals ,which immediately start chain the treatment of stroke and neurodegenerative reactions that result in damage to the living cells [19]. diseases.Antioxidants are widely used as ingredients Metabolism in majority of complex living organisms in the dietary supplements in order to maintain health requires oxygen for its survival .But, oxygen being, a and to prevent diseases such as cancer and coronary highly reactive molecule damages living organisms by heart disease [27]. producing reactive oxygen species [20] . These These compounds may be synthesized in the body or reactive oxygen species produced in the living cells obtained from the diet [28].The different antioxidants include hydrogen peroxide (H2O2 ) , hypochlorous are present at a wide range of concentrations in body acid (HOCl) and free radicals such as the hydroxyl fluids and tissues , some such as glutathione or − radical (·OH) and the superoxide anion (O2 ) [21] . ubiquinone mostly present within the cells, while The hydroxyl radical is unstable and will react rapidly others such as uric acid are more evenly distributed . and non-specifically with most of the biological The action of an antioxidant thus depends on the molecules . These oxidant damage the cells by starting proper function of other members of the antioxidant chemical chain reactions such as lipid peroxidation , system. The extent of protection provided by any one or by oxidizing DNA or proteins [22]. antioxidant also depends on its concentration, its Damage to DNA result in serious problems, possibly reactivity towards the particular reactive oxygen cancer, if not reversed by DNA repair mechanisms species and the status of the antioxidants with which [23]. Damage to proteins result in enzyme inhibition , it interacts [28]. denaturation and protein degradation [24]. Some compounds contribute to antioxidant defense by During metabolism, the use of oxygen generates chelating transition metals and preventing them from highly reactive species such as the superoxide anion catalyzing the production of free radicals in the cell. which is produced as a by-product of several steps in Selenium and zinc are commonly referred as the electron transport chain [25]. The reduction of antioxidant nutrients [29]. coenzyme Q in complex III, results in the formation of highly reactive free radical as an intermediate (Q·−). Antioxidant protection system in biological This intermediate, being unstable results in electron system [30] "leakage", where the electrons jump directly to Endogenous Antioxidants oxygen and form the superoxide anion, instead of • Bilirubin moving through the normal series of well-controlled • Thiols, e.g., glutathione , lipoic acid, N-acetyl reactions of the electron transport chain [26]. cysteine An antioxidant is a molecule that slows or prevents • NADPH and NADH the oxidation of the molecules. Antioxidants • Ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10) terminate these chain reactions by removing free • Uric acid radical intermediates and inhibit other oxidation • Enzymes: reactions by being oxidized themselves. As a result, – copper/zinc and manganese-dependent superoxide antioxidants are often considered as reducing agents dismutase (SOD) such as thiols, ascorbic acid , polyphenols [19]. – iron-dependent catalase Antioxidants are classified into two broad divisions, – selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidise depending on whether they are soluble in water (hydrophilic) or in lipids (hydrophobic) . In general, Dietary Antioxidants water-soluble antioxidants react with oxidants in the • Vitamin C cell cytosol and the blood plasma, while lipid-soluble • Vitamin E antioxidants protect cell membranes from lipid • Beta carotene and other carotenoids and peroxidation [19]. oxycarotenoids, Although oxidation reactions are essential for e.g., lycopene and lutein survivals, they can also be damaging. Hence, • Polyphenols, and animals maintain complex systems of multiple e.g., flavonoids, flavones, flavonols, and types of antioxidants, such as glutathione, vitamin C, Proanthocyanidins N.Sirisha et al /Int.J. PharmTech Res.2010,2(4) 2177

Metal Binding Proteins antibacterial activity is mainly due to the presence • Albumin (copper) high level phenolic compounds. Various researches • Ceruloplasmin (copper) carried out on F.microcarpa reported the presence of • Metallothionein (copper) several triterpenoids such as oleanolic acid , rusolic • Ferritin (iron) acid , α-hydroxy ursolic acid , protocatechic acid and • Myoglobin (iron) maclinic acid in the fruits , aerial roots and bark . It has • Transferrin (iron) been shown that ursolic acid , oleanolic acid and other triterpenoids are efficient protectors against lipid peroxidation and hence these are potent antioxidants Assay methods for antioxidants [31-43] [44]. ABTS (2,20-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6- The antipyretic and analgesic action of Ficus sulfonate) assay or TEAC (The Trolox equivalent microcarpa is due to its antioxidant activity. antioxidant capacity) assay The aqueous extract of dried bark of Ficus glomerata DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical) method exhibited dose dependent antioxidant activity, FRAP ( Ferric reducing ability of plasma) assay evaluated by site specific and non site specific ORAC (The oxygen radical absorbance capacity) antioxidant activity. The extract has shown presence assay of flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, carbohydrates and TRAP (The total radical trapping parameter) assay alkaloids.The antioxidant activity may be attributed DCFH-DA (Dichlorofluorescin-diacetate) based assay to flavonoids and phenolics present in the drug [45]. Cyclic voltammetry method The antioxidant effect of aqueous extract of the bark of TOSC (total oxyradical scavengingcapacity) assay Ficus bengalensis Linn. Root has been evaluated for PCL (Photochemiluminescence) assay its free radical scavenging activity, reducing capacity Crocin CL test assay (crocin chemoluminescence and hydrogen peroxide activity. These studies have assay) shown that the antioxidant properties are mainly due Chronocoulometric assay to the presence of phenolic compounds [46]. CAA assay (Cellular antioxidant activity) Besides phenolic acid compounds, flavanoid Conjugated diene assay glycosides with antioxidant properties have been Superoxide radical scavenging activity reported from the 50% aqueous ethanolic leaf extract Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of Ficus pumila. Nitric oxide radical inhibition activity The flavonoid glycosides which are isolated and Reducing power method identified are rutin , apigenin 6-neohesperidose , Phospho molybdenum method kaempferol 3-robinobioside and kaempferol 3- Peroxynitrile radical scavenging activity rutinoside.Among these compounds, rutin exhibited β-carotene linoleate method the strongest antioxidant activity. These results show Xanthine oxidase method that Ficus pumila leaves serve as a good natural Cytochrome C test source of antioxidants [47]. Erythrocyte ghost system Metabolite profiling performed on the leaves, pulps Microsomal lipid peroxidation or Thiobarbituric acid and peels of two Portuguese white varieties of (TBA) assay F.carica (Pingo de Mel and Branca Tradicional) showed the presence of phenolics and organic acids . Antioxidant Properties of various Ficus Phenolic compounds include 3-O- and 5-O- Species caffeoylquinic acids, ferulic acid, quercetin-3-O- The methanol extracts prepared from bark, fruits and glucoside, quercetin-3-O-rutinoside, psoralen and leaves of F. microcarpa exhibited strong antioxidant bergapten. Organic acids in leaves include oxalic, activity assayed by the four different methods citric, malic, quinic, shikimic and fumaric acids. including DPPH and ABTS + free radicals scavenging, Pulps and peels contains the same with the exception PMS–NADH system superoxide radical scavenging of quinic acid. Pulp contains highest amount of and β-carotene–linoleic acid system. The methanol chlorgenic acid. Quercitin-3-O-rutinoside content in extract of bark showed stronger antioxidant activity peels is significantly higher than in pulp and peels. than those of leaves and fruits in ABTS+, PMS– Psoralen occurred in pulps at significantly higher NADH and β-carotene/linoleic acid system . The levels when compared to peels. Psoralen and antioxidant activity is mainly due to the presence of bergapten (5-methoxypsoralen) are two photoactive phenolic compounds and hence the bark contains high furanocoumarins reported in F. carica leaves. These level of phenolic compounds. The methanol extract of compounds, especially psoralen, are utilized along bark also exhibited anti bacterial activity against with UV radiation in the treatment of skin conditions, Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria . This such as skin depigmentation ( psoriasis and vitiligo ), N.Sirisha et al /Int.J. PharmTech Res.2010,2(4) 2178 mycosis fungoides, polymorphous dermatitis and reproductive cell death. There is a correlation between eczema. All the three vegetal materials exhibited the induction of antioxidant properties due to the presence of phenolic cell death and frequency of micronuclei induction and compounds. Leaves possess the strongest antioxidant chromosome aberrations. Therefore micronucleus potential and pulps the weakest one. These facts may assay is a useful parameter to assess the cytogenetic be explained by the highest amounts of phenolic damage. compounds occurring in leaves. It is extensively used to screen the The antioxidant capacity of phenolic compounds is cytoprotective/radiomodifying potential of synthetic based on their ability to scaveng free radicals, chelate and natural products. pro-oxidant metal-ions and to inhibit some enzymes. The results of in vitro antioxidant data showed a The total phenolic content is significantly different significant free radical scavenging activity of FRE in among the three vegetal materials, following the order a dose dependent manner. Such free radical scavengers : leaves peels pulps. exert a key role in radioprotection, because radiation Leaves may constitute an e xcellent dietary and induced cytotoxicity is mediated mainly through economical source of bioactive compounds, namely, generation of free radicals in the biological phenolics. The consumption of this fruit may prevent system.Thus , antioxidant effect of FRE makes an the diseases in which homeostasis is impaired by important contribution to radioprotective potential oxidative features. In addition, as leaves are [50]. characterized by higher quantities of psoralen and bergapten , their use by cosmetic and pharmaceutical As an Hypocholesterolaemic industries for the treatment of some dermatological The antioxidant effect of aqueous extract of the bark of diseases, such as psoriasis and vitiligo [48]. Ficus bengalensis has been evaluated in The antioxidant activities of both non enzymatic and hypercholesterolaemic rabbits. Rabbits are made enzymatic constituents present in both male ( leaf with hypercholesterolaemic by feeding cholesterol. As a red spots ) and female ( leaf with black spots ) are result, serum cholesterol, triacylglycerol and studied. The non enzymatic constituents include LDL+VLDL levels are increased. phenolic compounds, flavanoids, vitamin C. The Hypercholesterolaemia leads to increased production enzymatic constituents include ascorbate oxidase, of oxygen-free radicals (OFR), which exert their peroxidise, catalase and ascorbate peroxidise. The cytotoxic effect by causing lipid peroxidation, depress aqueous leaf extracts of female plants of F.deltoidea the antioxidant defences. Administration of aqueous shows higher antioxidant activity than male leaves, extract of the plant to the hypercholesterolaemic which indicates that both enzymatic and non rabbits decrease the levels of lipid peroxidation enzymatic constituents are higher in female plant products by scavenging free radicals like superoxide leaves. anion, hydroxyl and peroxy . Decreased lipid Ascorbate peroxidise activities are found to be higher peroxidation products is due to the increased in the leaves’ extracts than in the roots and stems’ availability of antioxidants from aqueous bark extract extracts, which suggested that ascorbate peroxidise is of Ficus bengalensis. Thus, aqueous extract of bark of mainly located in the chloroplast of leaves [49]. Ficus bengalensis due to its antioxidant properties lowers cholesterol levels [51]. Pharmacological activity of Ficus species with respect to their antioxidant properties As a Gastroprotective As a Natural Radioprotector The gastroprotective effect of 50% ethanolic extract Ethanol extract (FRE) and water extract (FRW) of of Ficus glomerata fruit has been studied. Ficus racemosa are subjected to free radical Gastric ulcer is mainly due to damage of gastric scavenging. FRE exhibited significantly higher muscosa by free radicals and reactive oxygen species. steady state antioxidant activity than FRW. FRE 50% ethanolic extract of F.glomerata fruit, because of exhibited concentration dependent DPPH, ABTS, its antioxidant properties acts as a scavenger of free hydroxyl radical and superoxide radical scavenging radicals and thus protects the gastric mucosa from the and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. So, FRE is deleterious effects of free radicals. selected to study the invitro radioprotection in Thus, F.glomerata serves as a gastroprotective. Chinese hamster lung fibroblast cells. The The phenolic compounds ( gallic acid and ellagic acid radioprotective activity was determined by ‘Invitro ) present in 50% ethanolic extract of F.glomerata fruit Cytokinesis blocks Micronucleus Assay’ where the serves as antioxidants and hence exhibits fibroblast cells exposed to γ-radiation. gastroprotective activity. Exposure of fibroblast cells to γ-radiation results in The phenolic agents serve as anti ulcerogenic, damage to DNA and membrane lipids , thereby antimutagenic and anti cancerogenic compounds [52]. N.Sirisha et al /Int.J. PharmTech Res.2010,2(4) 2179

As an Anti ulcerogenic oxidative stress and membrane stabilisation [56], Anti ulcerogenic activity of methanolic root extract of [57]. Ficus hispida Linn. has been studied. It was correlated with the antioxidant properties of Ficus As an Hepatoprotective hispida. Anti ulcer effect of Ficus hispida is due its The methanol extract of the leaves of Ficus carica cytoprotective nature of antioxidant constituents [53]. Linn. has been evaluated for hepatoprotective Similarly, anti ulcerogenic activity of methanolic leaf activity in rats. The test animals when treated with extract of Ficus arnottiana has been studied. The toxic doses of carbon tetrachloride have markedly results have shown that F. arnottiana leaf methanolic elevated the levels of serum aspartate extract possesses gastroprotective activity, as aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total evidenced by its significant inhibition in the serum bilirubin, indicating acute hepatocellular formation of ulcers induced by ethanol. It has muco- damage. The CCl4 is converted into reactive protective activity and gastric antisecretary. metabolite, halogenated free radical by hepatic As flavonoids have been identified in the methanolic cytochrome P450s, which in turn covalently binds to extract, the anti-ulcer activity of this extract is due to cell membrane and organelles to elicit lipid the antioxidant activity of the extract [54]. peroxidation with subsequent tissue injury. High lipid peroxidation values indicate excessive free radical Antioxidant activity of Ficus hispida against induced peroxidation. The measurement of lipid azathioprine induced liver injury peroxide is also a marker of hepatocellular damage. The antioxidant effect of methanolic leaf extract of Methanolic extract of leaves of Ficus carica prevent Ficus hispida against azathioprine induced liver the rise in lipid peroxides, by its antioxidant effect injury has been evaluated. The azathioprine ( AZA ) thereby acting as a hepatoprotective. toxicity in liver proceeds through the extensive The decrease in lipid peroxides may be due to the generation of reactive oxygen species ( ROS ). The antioxidant effect of the extract. A possible DPPH radical scavenging and nitric oxide radical mechanism of the F. Carica extract as inhibiting ability of Ficus hispida shows that the hepatoprotective may be due to its anti-oxidant effect extract exerts a beneficial action against free radical or inhibition of cytochrome P450s which impair the mediated oxidative changes. AZA decreases the bioactivation of CCl4 into their corresponding levels of antioxidants. The biologically active reactive species. The presence of steroids / antioxidant phytoconstituents found in Ficus hispida triterpenoids and their glycosides and coumarins in extract spared the antioxidant activity and reduced the the methanolic extract of leaves of F. Caric are consumption of endogenous antioxidants, which could responsible for antioxidant activity and hence be responsible for the reduction of AZA induced hepatoprotectivity. Since coumarins have oxidative stress. Thus, Ficus hispida Linn. leaves hepatoprotective activity , it may be speculated that possess definite antioxidant and antiperoxide activities these constituents of Ficus are responsible for the against the peroxide-antioxidant imbalance elicited by observed protective effects [58]. azathioprine. Thus Ficus hispida can be used in liver ailments [55]. Conclusion Thus, Ficus species are rich source of naturally As an Anti inflammatory agent occurring antioxidants of which phenolic compounds Anti inflammatory and analgesic effect of aqueous and and flavanoids play a vital role in preventing methanolic bark extract of Ficus bengalensis has innumerable health disorders related to oxidative been evaluated. The methanolic extract shows stress including cardiovascular diseases, significant anti inflammatory potential as compared neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Ficus species to the aqueous extract. due to their strong antioxidant and biological The anti inflammatory activity is mainly due to its properties are also known to diffuse the toxic free antioxidant and lysosomal membrane stabilising radical and can be used as a possible food additive or effects of Ficus bengalensis. The flavanoids and in nutraceutical and biopharmaceutical industries. tannins in the methanolic extract are responsible for the anti inflammatory activity through their effect on cancer and anti inflammatory agents, Journal of References Ethnopharmacology, 2008, 119(2), pg : 195-213. 1. Epharaim Philip Lansky, Helena .M. Pavilainen, 2. Melvin Wong, Ficus plants for Hawai’i Alison. D. Pawlus, Robert. A. Newman, Ficus landscapes, Ornamentals and flowers, 2007, 34, pg spp.(fig) : Ethnobotany and potential as anti : 1-13. N.Sirisha et al /Int.J. PharmTech Res.2010,2(4) 2180

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